…Demands Fresh Election
The Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs) has accused the Niger State government of allegedly manipulating the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election in the Niger South Senatorial District, describing the exercise as a “political charade” designed to impose predetermined candidates on party members.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, the Deputy National Secretary of the Coalition, Comrade Danesi Momoh Prince, alleged that the primary election was marred by widespread irregularities, suppression of internal democracy, abuse of political influence and lack of transparency.
According to him, reports from aggrieved aspirants, party delegates and stakeholders indicated that lawful delegates were allegedly denied participation, accreditation processes were manipulated, and results were purportedly written and announced without due process.
The coalition expressed concern that the alleged actions undermined democratic culture and threatened political accountability in the country.
Prince said, “What transpired in Niger State cannot be described as democracy. It cannot even pass as a credible party primary election by the most basic democratic standards.”
The group further alleged that the exercise reflected a system where political outcomes were determined by loyalty to powerful individuals rather than through transparent democratic procedures.
CNCSOs said it was particularly disturbed by allegations that the purported results were announced without the presence of officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The coalition warned that allowing such allegations to go unchecked would embolden political impunity and weaken democratic institutions.
It therefore called on the national leadership of the APC, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, security agencies and relevant democratic institutions to intervene urgently.
The coalition demanded an independent investigation into the allegations surrounding the primary election and called for the immediate cancellation of the exercise.
It also urged the APC leadership to conduct a fresh, transparent and credible primary election in line with the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution.
Prince warned that continued suppression of internal democracy within political parties could lead to deeper political divisions, voter apathy and prolonged litigation.
The coalition also threatened nationwide lawful civic actions, including a proposed “ten-million-man solidarity march,” if authorities failed to address the grievances raised over the exercise.
CNCSOs called on party supporters, youths, women and stakeholders in Niger State to remain peaceful and pursue justice through lawful democratic means.
The aspirant declared the winner of the primary was Mohammed Sani Idris.
